DO PENGUINS LIVE ANY PLACE OTHER THAN THE SOUTH POLE?
Only two of the 18 known species of penguins are true Antarctic residents--the Adelies and the emperors. The others live in much warmer parts of the Southern Hemisphere-New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and as far north as the Galapagos Islands, which lie almost on the equator. The reason we don't find these quaint, formally attired birds in other areas is that they will not cross into warm ocean water from the cold Antarctic currents.
Penguins are fascinating birds, unique in many ways. Although unable to fly, they swim with marvelous speed, grace and endurance. Unlike most birds, their densely packed feathers cover their entire body, except for their horny bills and flat, webbed feet. This watertight plumage helps make each stroke count to the fullest. Underwater they may zoom about at 30 miles per hour for short distances between surfacing for air. To regain the icy shelf of their home, they may catapult themselves several feet up, like huge salmon leaping the rapids. During the nesting season many species undergo long periods of starvation, living off reserves of stored-up fat.
Should you by chance visit the southern coast of South Africa, a small two- to three-foot tall gray and white penguin might waddle up to greet you with a loud "hee-haw." Dubbed jackass penguins, this species thrives along the shores of the Cape of Good Hope. Although the climate there is very hot and dry, the jackass penguin gets along beautifully since he spends most of his time in the cool, refreshing water.
Like all penguins, jackasses are extremely sociable, living in huge colonies called rookeries. Each mated pair finds a spot on the bare rocky shore to dig its nesting burrow which is lined with small sticks, grass and seaweed. Throughout their entire lives, the pair returns to this same nest. After laying two or three eggs, both parents share guard duty against hungry predators such as gulls.
When the chicks hatch in about five or six weeks, mother and father take turns feeding them such treats as fish, squid, crabs, lobster and shrimp. The chicks are soon ready for swimming lessons, which include learning how to avoid hungry octopuses and sharks.
The largest penguins are the emperors, who may reach four feet in height and weigh up to 100 pounds. The smaller and more numerous Adelies are slightly over two feet and rarely weigh more than 12 pounds. These two Antarctic residents are famous for their unique habits. Emperor males incubate the eggs alone, fasting during the 60-day vigil in freezing temperatures and icy winds. Adelies, the great travelers, will spend the winter at the northern rim of the ice pack. Come spring they trudge some 500 miles back to their rookeries.
With their spic-and-span "frock coats" and awkward shuffling waddle, penguins fascinate and amuse everyone who sees them. Long favorites in zoos, most penguins do not thrive in captivity, often falling prey to various diseases. Jackass penguins, however, do just fine in zoos and quickly learn how to please crowds with their antics.